Zambia Beaten by DR Congo at Nyayo Stadium as Harambee Stars Await Crucial Test

Zambia's 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign got off to a disappointing start as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to DR Congo in their Group A opener.

The match played at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi saw DR Congo bounce back to claim their first points of the tournament after losing to Kenya in their opening game.

The result now places Kenya, also in Group A, in a tougher position ahead of their crucial clash against Angola later tonight.

A win is vital for Kenya to strengthen their chances of progressing to the knockout stage, with Group A shaping up to be highly competitive.

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The first shot in anger came from DR Congo’s Dieudonne Ntibaleka in the fifth minute, as the midfielder tried his luck from distance, but the effort failed to trouble Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza.

DR Congo enjoyed more of the early possession and pressed forward with intent, particularly through the likes of Kazadi Kabangu and Lappy Kalonji Bungele, but they struggled to convert pressure into clear-cut chances.

Zambia took their time to settle and were largely restricted to their own half as DR Congo dictated the tempo. Around the midway point of the half, the Congolese side strung together a promising sequence of passes, ending with a volleyed effort from Mukoko Tshibangu Kalunji just inside the area, but it flew narrowly wide.

The closest either side came to breaking the deadlock arrived in the 28th minute when Papy Kabanda Mukanya curled a free kick around the wall, only to see it bounce back off the post. Kayembe Kalonji reacted quickest to slot home the rebound, but the assistant referee's flag was correctly raised for offside.

Zambia’s forward efforts were limited, and their main threat came in transition, with Albert Kangwa and Rally Bwalya trying to spark something on the break. However, the DR Congo defence, well marshaled by Jeremie Mukokolo and Pitchou Kalonji, held firm.

Late in the half, Zambia were dealt a blow when quick-footed winger John Chishimba was forced off after a collision with Mukanda Kabwe. Kelvin Mwenya came on in his place as the half drew to a close.

Despite DR Congo’s dominance in possession and territory, neither side managed a shot on target, and the teams headed into the break with the score still locked at 0-0.

The second half began with Zambia looking to establish a foothold after spending much of the first period on the back foot. The Chipolopolo tried to push forward through Albert Kangwa and Rally Bwalya, but DR Congo continued to dictate play with confidence and composure, keeping possession and probing for openings in the Zambian defence.

DR Congo maintained their pressure with Kazadi Kabangu and Lappy Kalonji Bungele causing constant problems for the Zambian backline. The Congolese side played with more urgency, shifting the ball quickly and pinning Zambia inside their own half.

The breakthrough finally came in the 51st minute when DR Congo teen sensation Ibrahim Batobo found space outside the area and unleashed a powerful strike that flew beyond Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza and into the top corner. It was a sensational finish that rewarded DR Congo’s persistent attacking efforts and gave them a deserved 1-0 lead just five minutes after the restart.

Zambia made changes in an attempt to turn the tide, introducing fresh legs including Tembo Owen and Charles Zulu, but DR Congo remained well-organized at the back. Jeremie Mukokolo and Pitchou Kalonji stood firm, snuffing out any danger that came their way.

DR Congo doubled their advantage in the 71st minute when Thabang Monare slipped a clever pass through to Vandala, who made no mistake with the finish, slotting home his maiden top-flight goal to make it 2-0. The goal put Leopards firmly in control, leaving Zambia with a mountain to climb.

Zambia tried to respond with a late push, sending men forward in search of a lifeline, but they lacked the cutting edge to break down a disciplined Congolese defence.

DR Congo managed the game well in the final minutes, maintaining possession and keeping Zambia at bay to secure a deserved 2-0 win

DR Congo: Badi Elonga, Geral Bakala Amonga, Jeremie Mukokolo, Pitchou Kalonji, Mukoko Tshibangu Kalunji, Kazadi Kabangu, Kayembe Kalonji, Eteka Yavu Tshimanga, Lappy Kalonji Bungele, Papy Kabanda Mukanya, Dieudonne Ntibaleka

Subs: Jackson Lunganga, Jacques Kazembe Kazadi, Mukanda Kabwe, Mialuku Ngoyi Bila, Kambale Mumbere Kalonji, Munganga Tshibangu Tony, Munganga Kalonji, Nzuzi Bilomba Bakangu, Mubo Mukandila, Kabwe Mutombo

Zambia: Willard Mwanza, Benedict Chepeshi, Killian Kanguluma, Kelvin Mbanga Kampamba, Rally Bwalya, Andrew Phiri, Wilson Sohko Chisala, Jackson Kampamba, Chongo Kabaso, John Chishimba, Albert Kangwa

Subs: Francis Mwansa, Kebson Kamanga, Happy Nsiku, Charles Zulu, Emmanuel Zulumba, Fredrick Mulambia, Kelvin Mwenya, Dominic Chanda, Evans Kangwana, Mathews Banda, Timothy Sichalwe